Johnson, Baucom hope to unseat heavily favored incumbent Kelly in Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District

• Trent Kelly, a Republican, has served in Congress since 2015. Democrat nominee Cliff Johnson and Libertarian Johnny Baucom believe voters in North Mississippi want a change this November.

Mississippi’s 1st District Congressman Trent Kelly (R) has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since winning a special election in 2015. He is seeking re-election this fall, running against Democrat nominee Cliff Johnson, an Ole Miss law professor, and Libertarian Johnny Baucom, a health and safety technician. Both challengers are hoping to unseat the incumbent in the November midterm General Election. 

Kelly is heavily favored to win his re-election bid. The Cook Political Report rates the 1st District race as “Solid R.” The Congressman also has a healthy campaign war chest of over $860,000.

However, first-time candidate Johnson has outraised Kelly two out of three quarters since entering the race. Yet, the Democrat still trails the incumbent Republican in cash on hand, with Johnson reporting $150,000 at the end of June.

No campaign finance report is showing for Baucom with the Federal Election Commission.

Johnson has shared pictures on social media of fundraising events and campaign stops from Mississippi to Martha’s Vineyard with high profile national Democrats, a strategy that could give voters in the conservative 1st District pause.

Johnson has been seen hobnobbing with Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (D), New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D), and Texas U.S. Senate Candidate James Talarico (D).  Mississippi 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson (D) and U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom (D) have also been seen with Johnson.

Magnolia Tribune reached out to each 1st District congressional candidate to discuss their policy platforms, what they hope to accomplish in the next Congress, and what sets them apart from the other candidates in the race. 

Congressman Kelly said his platform focuses on affordability, supporting Mississippi businesses, securing the border, and funding the military. 

“We must make life more affordable, enabling families to thrive. It is vital we continue to do everything in our power to support farmers and small businesses. They are the backbone of America,” Kelly said. “A more secure America requires a secure border. A robust, well-funded military is key to achieving President Trump’s peace through strength agenda.” 

Johnson also emphasized affordability, saying Mississippi workers are “getting crushed.” 

“We have to address affordability issues on day one and stand up to the overwhelming influence of corporations and billionaires. That means ending chaotic tariff policies that hurt consumers and farmers, stopping the implementation of the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and making the Affordable Care Act subsidies permanent,” Johnson said. 

Johnson also added that ending the war in Iran, reforming housing, and raising the minimum wage is how he would tackle the affordability issue. He went on to say his campaign is focused on combating political corruption by banning congressional stock trading, limiting corporate PAC spending, prohibiting congressmembers from lobbying after leaving office, and regulating data centers. 

Baucom said that living in this current economy has gotten “harder and harder” and that younger Americans lack the stability that older generations once had. 

In order to fix this, Baucom wants to pursue a deregulation agenda while in Congress. Specifically, he wants to target the European Union Deforestation Regulation, which he says “costs our companies billions to maintain.” Removing the regulation, Baucom says, will bring home prices down. 

Baucom also pledged to “vote against any bill that intends to overreach the government’s power over Americans and their personal choices of how they live their life.” This applies especially to gun ownership and the war on drugs, Baucom said. 

When looking to the next Congress, Kelly hopes to bolster shipbuilding and the military, both of which have key facilities in the Magnolia State, as well as cut regulations for small businesses. 

“America needs more ships in the water to compete with our adversaries on the high seas. This is going to require more shipbuilding on American soil,” Kelly said. “We must make sure [servicemembers] have the tools they need to defend our nation. We have made great strides to accomplish that with the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act.” 

Johnson, on the other hand, wants to make Congress more independent from the Trump administration. 

“Congress can no longer be an extension of the executive branch and must carry out its proper function in order for the separation of powers envisioned in our country’s founding documents to be realized,” Johnson said. “I want to be an independent voice who focuses on Mississippi above national politics and delivers jobs and an improved standard of living to the First District.” 

Baucom said he will carry a “constant reminder of our job to serve the American people and their interests” in Congress if elected. 

“I know the people of Mississippi. I’ve lived here most of my life,” Baucom said. “I’ll vote for the interests of the future our children will have. 

As for what separates him from his opponents, Congressman Kelly pointed to his experience in the Mississippi Army National Guard, as a district attorney, and for the past twelve years serving as congressman for Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District. Kelly served 39 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer, rising to the rank of  Major General.  

Kelly also is reminding voters that his seniority carries weight in Congress.

“I am Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I am also a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee,” Kelly said. 

Johnson promised to be an “independent thinker” in Washington, hoping to draw a contrast with Kelly, who Johnson pointed out reliably votes along party lines and with President Donald Trump (R). 

“Unlike Trent Kelly, I do not accept corporate PAC money, and I am not looking to advance my own political interests by gaining favor with party leaders or special interests,” Johnson said. “I don’t know the leaders of the Democratic or Republican parties in D.C., and I don’t care about being their friend.” 

Yet, Johnson has routinely shared meet and greets with national Democrats, as mentioned above.

Still, Johnson said, “As someone who puts Mississippi first and has taken on hard fights my entire career, I’ll fight anyone who does anything that isn’t good for the people of the 1st District – Democrat, Republican, or Independent.”  

The Libertarian candidate, Baucom, said that he is different from Kelly and Johnson because he represents younger Americans. He believes he can relate to everyday issues and said he will acknowledge God as leader of America. 

“I was very poor growing up, with a single mom and a relatively hard youth. Not a silver spoon ever was found on my plate. I currently work two jobs to make ends meet,” Baucom said. “I know hard work and don’t shy away from it.” 

The General Election for Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District is on Tuesday, November 3.